Sanctuary of Aphrodite, Dodecanese Travel Guide

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Discover the ancient Sanctuary of Aphrodite in Kos Town, a historical site dedicated to the goddess of love and seafaring, dating back to the 2nd century BC.

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Sanctuary of Aphrodite

Explore the ruins of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite in Kos Town, a historical landmark dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty. Founded in the late 3rd-early 2nd century AD, the sanctuary offers insights into ancient worship and the island's rich past.

A brief summary to Sanctuary of Aphrodite

Kos, 853 00, GR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sanctuary of Aphrodite.

Explore the Eastern Archaeological Area, where the Sanctuary of Aphrodite is located, to see other significant ruins from Kos's ancient past.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Ancient Agora, another free-entry archaeological site showcasing Kos's historical importance.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground while exploring the ruins.

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Getting There

Walking

The Sanctuary of Aphrodite is located within the Eastern Archaeological Area of Kos Town, easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the main harbor, walk east along the coastal road (Akti Kountouriotou). After approximately 500 meters, turn right towards the archaeological site. The sanctuary is a short walk from the main road. There are no entrance fees for the Eastern Archaeological area.
Public Transport

Local buses connect various parts of Kos Town. Check local bus routes at mobility.kos.gr to find the nearest stop to the Eastern Archaeological Area. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions above. A single bus fare within Kos Town typically costs around €1.50.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Kos Town. A short taxi ride from the harbor or city center to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite will cost approximately €5-€7. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Sanctuary of Aphrodite

The Sanctuary of Aphrodite, located in the Eastern Archaeological area of Kos Town, provides a window into the island's ancient religious practices. Founded in the late 3rd to early 2nd century AD, it may have been built upon the site of an earlier sanctuary dating back to the 4th-3rd century BC. The sanctuary was dedicated to Aphrodite in her dual hypostasis as Pandemos (Protectress of the City) and Pontia (Protectress of Seafarers). The sanctuary originally consisted of two identical temples with altars within a colonnaded courtyard. Aphrodite Pandemos, as goddess of harmony, protected the deme, endowing the citizens with the gift of concord and was linked to the unification of settlements. Aphrodite Pontia, patron goddess of seafarers, had very ancient roots, with sanctuaries founded in important harbors. Inscriptions suggest that newlyweds and maritime professionals made offerings here.The sanctuary was destroyed by an earthquake in 469 AD. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the sanctuary, including the foundations and platform where the temples once stood. The site is part of the Eastern Archaeological Area, which also includes the ruins of a harbor basilica, the Sanctuary of Hercules, a Baptistery, the Harbour Stoa, the Fortification, Building insulae and the Agora.